Americana dodges sale rumours
Kuwait’s Americana may be considering buyout bids from up to six firms in a potential US$5bn deal, but the food giant is denying the reports.
Archives for July 20, 2014
Almarai profits up 8.8%, cautious about mounting costs
Saudi dairy firm Almarai ha seen its second-quarter profits rise 8.8% year-on-year to US$116m, with sales up 14.4% to reach US$826m, as the company faces higher wage and commodity costs.
Maverick Innovations bets British to secure US expansion
UK flavor house Maverick Innovations will set up a US manufacturing hub in the next five years; bolstering its presence with British flavors like banana and custard, its CEO says.
Kizad bags Mcdonald’s packaging firm GPP
Gulf Printing and Packaging (GPP), the exclusive packaging provider to McDonald’s in the Middle East, has signed a US$22m deal to take a plot at Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad).
Welsh meat looks to boost exports
Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is looking to capitalise on growing overseas demand for its lamb and beef.
UK public sector sourcing plan backs local food industry: ‘All food that can be bought locally will be bought locally’
UK prime minister David Cameron has announced plans to boost the British farming industry by sourcing public sector food locally.
EU-Ecuador trade deal to open fish, fruit and coffee doors?
Ecuador has signed an EU tariff-free trade agreement, joining Andean neighbours Peru and Colombia five years after it initially rejected the tie-up.
FVO finds shortcomings in Estonian audit
Controls for food contaminants are in place but with some shortcomings according to a Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) audit in Estonia.
American poultry standards draw criticism at trade talks
As European Union (EU) and US officials began their sixth round of negotiations on an ambitious EU-US free trade agreement in Brussels this week, American poultry practices threatened to become a lightning rod for European public unease about US food...
COMMENT
Singing about foodborne pathogens is "Weird"
With his latest single, comedy genius "Weird Al" Yankovic has accomplished what is likely an industry first: climbing to the top of the charts with a song about foodborne pathogens.
Four top tips for aspiring food industry leaders
Be passionate: love what you do and who you do it for, was the top advice for young people aiming to be the food industry leaders of tomorrow, at an event staged recently by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).
New EFSA chief commits to, ‘opening up its scientific processes’
EFSA’s new chief Dr Bernhard Url said greater transparency at the Parma-based agency can boost trust and deliver better opinions.
The highs and lows of organics: How to stimulate repeat and cross-purchases
Low cost organic products are more likely to be repurchased but a high price strategy could prove more effective in encouraging cross-purchasing across ranges, finds research.
Chinese investment group takes stake in Spanish firm
Spanish food and wine group Osborne has teamed up with Chinese private investment group Fosun in a bid to grow both its domestic and international markets.
United Biscuits’ private equity owners coy on flotation
United Biscuits joint owners Blackstone and PAI partners have refused to comment on speculation that they are preparing the company for a public flotation.
Cracked? Preventing Salmonella in nuts focus for research
Michigan State University (MSU) has been awarded almost $400,000 by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reduce the Salmonella risk of low-moisture foods.
Australia
Study: Energy drinks increase the desire to drink longer and harder
Australian academics have called for greater analysis of the potential harm caused by mixing energy drinks with alcohol after new research found the practice can turn a few quick drinks into a much longer session.
Tesco boss Philip Clarke to quit after profit warning
Tesco boss Philip Clarke is to quit the embattled retailer in October, despite pledging in April to “see this job though”.
Genius Gluten Free targets French expansion
Gluten-free specialist Genius is stepping up exports to France’s rapidly growing gluten-free market.
Lebanese food exports soar, but falling prices cut value
Lebanon’s food exports grew 33% by volume in 2013, but falling prices meant growth by value was less than half that rate, according to a Blominvest Bank report.